Citizen science aims to show the health impact of smoking on the microbiome

smokingThe health implications of smoking are fairly well established, but what is less well known is the impact the habit has on the oral microbiome.  It’s a gap in our knowledge that the startup uBiome is hoping to fill with the help of citizen scientists.

Participants in the study will receive a free testing kit from uBiome, after which they will receive data on the bacterial composition of their mouth.  They will also receive insight into how their microbiome compares with fellow participants, whether they’re smokers or non-smokers.

*update* it appears the free kit was only available to the first 500 applicants, and as such if you wish to participate, you now need to pay for your kit ($89).

Why the microbiome matters

The microbiome is the bacteria living in and on the human body.  It has some useful roles, such as digesting food, but also some harmful ones and contributes to things such as diabetes and various bowel conditions.

It’s believed that there are approximately 1,000 different bacterial species in the mouth alone, which contribute towards tooth decay and gum disease.  Studies estimate that around 40% of gum disease is attributable to smoking, whilst others suggest the gut microbiome of smokers is different to that of non-smokers.

The authors suggest that this may be a reason why people gain weight after they quit smoking.  As weight gain is a major factor behind people refusing to quit, it’s an issue that warrants further exploration.

“Despite the known health risks, about 42 million Americans smoke. One way or another we’re all affected by smoking. Everyone either knows a smoker or is one themselves. We need to know more than we do, so this crucial study will shine a light on some of the unknowns. What difference does it make to the oral microbiome, for instance, if someone took up smoking as a teenager rather than coming to it later in life?” uBiome say.

The company say that they can sequence a mirobiome now for just $89, thus making such large scale research feasible.  It fits nicely with their mission to use big data tools to further our understanding of the microbiome, whilst also giving individuals insight into how their bodies work and even to perform experiments on our own bodies.

If you want to participate in the study, you can do so here:

http://ubiome.com/smoking

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4 thoughts on “Citizen science aims to show the health impact of smoking on the microbiome

  1. It's an interesting project, but a part of me does wonder whether it wasn't a ruse to get customers signed up for uBiome.

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